Page 12 of Secret Baby for the Mafia Prince

Her lips curve in a frown.

I pause for a moment, seeing the name of the caller on my phone. Only Gianna knows about this place. Her and my sister, who has been overseas since she finished college. Seeing her call at this late hour raises my concern.

“Is everything alright, Bianca?” I ask as I answer the call.

“Where are you, brother? I’m back.”

Chapter four

Gianna

Luca has been busy ever since his sister arrived. We haven’t been able to meet up in days. I almost hate that his sister is around. She has all his attention. All we do now is text while keeping our meetings on hold.

We are also trying to be careful so she doesn’t find out about us. I wanted to run to him the night he helped me get my first job but, because of his sister, I couldn’t.

Being the son of a very powerful mafia family leaves room for strong connections. Luca had helped me pull a few strings to land this job. I didn’t even have to submit an application there to get it. He is the only person who understands me and what I truly want.

A life of my own. With him in it.

That’s quite difficult now with Bianca around. Since she doesn't stay in New York for a long time before traveling again, I never really got the chance to be close to her. I’ve always known her to be nosy. No one knows why she left so quickly the last time she was in town.

She is Luca’s younger sister, with an insanely striking resemblance. When it comes to personality, though, Luca is quite reserved compared to his sister. Everything about her is bold and loud. Things could get pretty bad quickly if she suspects Luca and me.

I overheard my mother and father gossip about their family one time. They made a remark about Bianca being the bad egg and that’s why her father is embarrassed of her. My parents talk about them more often now. Ill words Luca wouldn’t want to hear about.

Our families haven’t been the same recently, both wanting to be the capo of the city. Luca’s confrontation the other night proved my worries. Something is wrong and I’m being kept in the dark about it. I make a mental note to ask Giovanni when I return home.

My first day at my new job means the world to me and I don’t want to ruin it with thoughts of my family. I let out a sigh as I adjust my skirt, walking into the reception hall.

Father and Mother have no idea I am here. Not even Giovanni. My brother didn’t return home last night. He called earlier to inform me that our parents are away on a business trip.

It gave me the chance to get out of the house without their knowledge. The guards Giovanni placed to watch over me weren’t a problem either.

I have no idea how long this will last, as I can imagine how pissed Giovanni and my parents will be when they find out. It could be worse if they found out Luca helped me.

The company’s name, Silvercrest Industries, and logo are boldly inscribed on the mahogany front desk. It is one of the most reputable business organizations in New York. Luca, aware of my college degree in marketing, had referred me for the vacant marketing coordinator position.

The receptionist welcomes me with a warm smile as I walk closer to her. Her lips are a bright red. She has a mole on her nose and pretty gray eyes. The collar of her white shirt is crinkled. “Welcome to Silvercrest Industries! How may I help you, ma’am?”

“I’m Gianna... Mancini.” I hesitate for a second before I say my last name.

The receptionist has a slight change of expression, just like I expected. It is almost unnoticeable, but I don’t miss the glimpse of shock in her eyes. She clears her throat as she tries to keep on smiling.

“I am here to meet with Mr. Blackwell. I have an appointment with him,” I add.

“He had informed me earlier of your coming. Please hold on a minute while I call his office.” She reaches for the landline and dials a number.

My eyes flicker to her name tag. ‘Victoria S.’ is engraved on it.

I take in the view of the reception hall as she makes the call. It is spacious, with high ceilings and large windows that allow natural light to fill the room. The walls are decorated with pictures of people I don’t recognize and modern art pieces with the company’s logo at the center.

“He is ready to see you, Miss Gianna. His office is on the top floor, the first office on the left side."

I notice how she stops herself from saying my last name. My father has marked his place in the city, inciting the fear he so much craves at the mention of his name.

“Thank you.” I grip the strap of my bag tighter as I walk to the elevator, slightly nervous.

Two ladies and a man join me inside the elevator. They also have name tags on them. The red-haired lady turns to me first, uttering a greeting and the rest do the same. I reply with a smile on my face, my mind drifting off to the possibility of actually working here.

---